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Any iPhone Users Around Vancouver Canada?

groove-agent

groove-agent

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jan 13, 2006
1,994
1,944
Hello all!

I finally decided to take the plunge and buy an iPhone. Unfortunately the place near my house that sells unlocked phones is out. It's not too disappointing because they wanted $650 for a phone compared to buying one from the US for $399.

An acquaintance of mine mentioned a rumour that the local cell phone carriers some how blocked the iPhone from working on their networks. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Secondly, could anyone recommend a place to buy an iPhone at a reasonable price? I'm wondering if I should maybe drive down to the US to buy one (preferably after Christmas because I figure that they will be in short supply).

Thank you.
 
i was just on holiday in vancouver and whistler earlier this month for a week - i had no problems with my (locked) u.s. iphone on rogers. i had edge roaming off most of the time to avoid the roaming data charges, but it worked like a charm when i switched it on. calls and text messaging were just as if i was home in the u.s.
 
I'm in the same situation (in Vancouver, looking to buy an iPhone).

The cellular carriers (more like carrier, Rogers), haven't done anything to block the iPhone, so no worries on that front.

As for going down to the US to buy it, while it is more economically feasible, you're more than likely to get a 1.1.2 iPhone, which you won't be able to unlock to use in Canada.

Personally, I'm waiting until after Mac World so that, 1, I won't get screwed if there is a capacity boost, and 2, it will be possible to unlock it.
 
Kamera RAWr said:
Being that your in Vancouver, easiest way for you to get an iPhone would be to drive down to Bellingham and buy it from the AT&T store near Costco. :)
Click to expand...

I took your advice and went down to the Bellingham ATT store. They wouldn't sell me one because I was Canadian (they asked for my ID). They also wouldn't sell me one unless I signed a contract. I thought I could simply walk in and buy one without a contract.

Any other ideas?
 
groove-agent said:
I took your advice and went down to the Bellingham ATT store. They wouldn't sell me one because I was Canadian (they asked for my ID). They also wouldn't sell me one unless I signed a contract. I thought I could simply walk in and buy one without a contract.

Any other ideas?
Click to expand...

pay someone who lives in the u.s. to buy one and send it to you? as long as they pay with a credit card (not cash - last i heard, apple won't take cash for iphones anymore), anyone can walk into an apple store and buy one without signing a contract on the spot.

if i were heading back to beautiful whistler anytime soon, i'd bring one for you. :p
 
groove-agent said:
I took your advice and went down to the Bellingham ATT store. They wouldn't sell me one because I was Canadian (they asked for my ID). They also wouldn't sell me one unless I signed a contract. I thought I could simply walk in and buy one without a contract.

Any other ideas?
Click to expand...

If you don't mind a longer drive, you could try to buy one at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.
 
Keep looking around on craigslist for someone who might be selling one. You can often times find one for a really good deal on there hidden in the really bad deals.

I picked up my iPhone in Vancouver from a guy who bought it in Seattle. I got mine a few months ago, but you can find a good deal if you hunt.

I've had no problems with it on the Rogers network either, and I could never use another phone now after switching to the iPhone.
 
im in vancouver and am using a #49 1.1.2 otb iphone...fido...with a pss chip. it works perfect!! let me know if you need some help jailbreaking or anything
 
djsound said:
im in vancouver and am using a #49 1.1.2 otb iphone...fido...with a pss chip. it works perfect!! let me know if you need some help jailbreaking or anything
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. Of course, I'll have to figure out how to actually buy one first. I'm currently looking at Ebay, but am reluctant.
 
I use ebay alot but i still wouldnt for an iphone..Just drive to seattle. Thats what I did. I just told the chick I was from Vancouver and that i knew she wasnt supposed to sell me one ...but pleeeease. She smiled then sold me one =)

If that doesnt work just walk outside and give some dude $20 to go inside and buy one for you.
 
djsound said:
I use ebay alot but i still wouldnt for an iphone..Just drive to seattle. Thats what I did. I just told the chick I was from Vancouver and that i knew she wasnt supposed to sell me one ...but pleeeease. She smiled then sold me one =)

If that doesnt work just walk outside and give some dude $20 to go inside and buy one for you.
Click to expand...

I might not be as good looking as you. :)

I thought about giving someone money to buy me one. However, I don't think Apple will take cash, or take Canadian credit cards. Ebay seems to be my only option, but I'm starting to hear about people warning against buying one this way. I had an opportunity to buy one in Oct unlocked here in Canada for $650. I should have gone for it.
 
There is no reason for them to ask you where you're from, so I have no idea what you did. Maybe it's the fact that you went to a store so close to the border.

I also don't see why they wouldn't take a Canadian credit card, it's still a Visa or Mastercard.
 
So I managed to get a mailbox in the US and have ordered a phone through the US store. I haven't seen any confirmation yet that the order has been processed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 
I bought one off craigslist in downtown Vancouver . I chose to buy it from someone that I had seen selling many on there for months . I paid $680. It's 1.1.2 using Fido. My experience with the seller was just great. Let me know if you want their contact info. I'm typing this message on the iPhone in fact.
 
one3 said:
I bought one off craigslist in downtown Vancouver . I chose to buy it from someone that I had seen selling many on there for months . I paid $680. It's 1.1.2 using Fido. My experience with the seller was just great. Let me know if you want their contact info. I'm typing this message on the iPhone in fact.
Click to expand...

Last night I had a look at what was required to downgrade the bootloader - YIKES! I used to fix laptops for a living, but still I didn't feel like disassembling the iPhone, using wires to short circuit part of the board at the exact time that a particular program starts running. That could go wrong in so many ways. Too risky. Thus, I cancelled my order and almost gave up hope.

I found one off of Ebay from a reputable seller. It was unlocked and selling for $599 USD which I thought was a good deal. However, once i got through the international shipping and insurance, it was over $700. Hopefully it will at least get here quickly given the expensive shipping (I'm sure I got gouged but whatever).

Had I not done this I definitely would have got that phone number off you. Thanks anyway.
 
groove-agent said:
Last night I had a look at what was required to downgrade the bootloader - YIKES! I used to fix laptops for a living, but still I didn't feel like disassembling the iPhone, using wires to short circuit part of the board at the exact time that a particular program starts running. That could go wrong in so many ways. Too risky. Thus, I cancelled my order and almost gave up hope.

I found one off of Ebay from a reputable seller. It was unlocked and selling for $599 USD which I thought was a good deal. However, once i got through the international shipping and insurance, it was over $700. Hopefully it will at least get here quickly given the expensive shipping (I'm sure I got gouged but whatever).

Had I not done this I definitely would have got that phone number off you. Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's a lot. I feel for you and your iPhone buying troubles.

If you had been able to secure one for $399 USD, aren't there methods that use Turbosim or other SIM fake methods that you can use the iPhone without directly unlocking it? I think the Turbosim is around $100 USD which is still cheaper than $700.
 
ya mine was just $400 from an apple store...with warranty. Since im using a pss chip to bypass the normal stuff if i need the warranty i just take it out and i can return it...but good to hear you got one =) your going to LOVE it....i still love mine hehe
 
groove-agent said:
Hello all!

I finally decided to take the plunge and buy an iPhone. Unfortunately the place near my house that sells unlocked phones is out. It's not too disappointing because they wanted $650 for a phone compared to buying one from the US for $399.

An acquaintance of mine mentioned a rumour that the local cell phone carriers some how blocked the iPhone from working on their networks. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Secondly, could anyone recommend a place to buy an iPhone at a reasonable price? I'm wondering if I should maybe drive down to the US to buy one (preferably after Christmas because I figure that they will be in short supply).

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I bought mine from a guy in Vancouver who was selling them unlocked for 575. I've had it a few months and it's great. No problems at all with the network.

I met someone last week who bought iPhone from an Apple store and she wasn't forced into a contract. I think the AT&T stores are supposed to force you, but I think you can but it from Apple and say it's a gift.

Anyway, if you're interested, I'm seriously thinking of selling mine. As much as I love it, I started a new job where I have to carry a stinky Blackberry. And because iPhone is not 'Corporate ready' in that it won't talk t a non-IMAP mail server, it's dumb that I carry two phones.

So if you're interested in a lovingly used one, PM me.

Cheers.
 
one3 said:
I bought one off craigslist in downtown Vancouver . I chose to buy it from someone that I had seen selling many on there for months . I paid $680. It's 1.1.2 using Fido. My experience with the seller was just great. Let me know if you want their contact info. I'm typing this message on the iPhone in fact.
Click to expand...

How's your monthly bill with Fido since the 'data plan' affords only 12 mb?
 
I still have my unlimited Fido plan....which is great. Like $45 a month for an iphone =)....I do not have a data plan. It it a total waste of money at this point in Canada. I can almost always use Wifi when downtown for internet . Basically I dont have time to always go on internet anways so I dont use the internet on my phone...Thats what the Imac is for when i get home =)

-- in my opinion the iphone is best for the phone and ipoad part of it. Movies and Ipod are GREAT and so is the phone part..both are wonderful...the internet is 'ok' but nothing special I dont think. Using the very small safari is kind of a pain and it is a bit slow...
 
So has anyone been able to buy and iPhone from the Bellingham AT&T? It would be nice to not have to drive all the way to lynnwood...

Also, does the AT&T store carry refurbished ones for $199 4GB or $250 8GB? I've heard talk about them on here...
 
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